One of the things that you need to know about garage doors is how to fix garage door springs. While the steps in unwinding or winding a garage door spring seem, it can be very dangerous to perform if you make a mistake.
If you’re having problems with your garage door spring, we’re here for you. Read on to learn more about how to unwind a garage door spring.
Understanding Garage Door Springs: The Basics
It’s important that you understand the basics of garage door springs first before attempting to do anything with them. When it comes to garage door springs, there are two types:
- Torsion springs
- Extension springs
Torsion springs are usually located above the garage door and are wound tightly to create tension. Torsion springs work by tightening or loosening up helping to lift the weight of the door.
You need to be extremely careful when handling torsion springs as it holds a lot of pressure and if you happen to miss a step, accidents with it can cause serious harm to you.
On the other hand, extension springs are easier to locate and run along the sides of the garage door. Both types of garage door springs can be hazardous to work on if you don’t know what you are doing.
Tools You Need for Unwinding a Garage Door Spring
CAUTION: We highly discourage DIY garage door spring repair. Poor handling of the springs and using the wrong tools can lead to physical injuries or further damage to your door.
When it comes to winding or unwinding garage door springs, preparation is crucial. You need to make sure you’re ready for every step and that you have all the right tools. Garage door springs can be much harder to work on because you will need specific types of tools, such as the right garage door spring unwinding tools.
Here’s what you need to gather to ensure you’re well-prepared before attempting to unwind garage door springs:
- Winding bars – you will need winding bars and it’s best not to use an alternative because winding bars are designed to fir perfectly into the winding cone holes.
- Adjustable wrench – Make sure to have an adjustable wrench ready as you will use this tool to loosen or tighten bolts.
- Safety glasses and gloves – When attempting to unwind garage door springs, it’s a must to wear protective glasses and gloves. Do not attempt to work on the springs without these. Garage door springs hold a lot of tension and if an accident ever happens, having gloves and glasses can be a life-saver.
- Ladder – Garage door springs can be located on high areas and having a ladder can make working on the garage door springs convenient and comfortable for you.
- Clamps or vice grips – You need clamps or vice grips to ensure the door stays in place while you work on unwinding the garage door springs.
By having the proper tools, you not only make it convenient and comfortable for you to work on the garage door springs but you also make it safe for you. Never attempt to work on garage door springs without the proper tools and equipment as that would be asking for trouble.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Unwind a Garage Door Spring
Now that you are familiar with garage door springs and the tools and equipment required to work on them let’s walk through the steps on how to unwind a garage door spring safely.
Remember: This job is best left to professionals like our licensed technicians at California Garage Door Repair since springs can snap and cause injuries if not handled properly.
Step 1: Disconnect the Power Supply
The first step in unwinding the garage door springs is to disconnect the garage door opener from the power source. By unplugging the opener, you are making sure that the garage doesn’t move unexpectedly as you work on the garage door springs.
Step 2: Secure the Garage Door
After you unplug the opener from the power source, the next step is to secure the garage door. You can do this by using clamps or vice grips to secure the door to the track. This may sound like a redundant step, but it’s not.
As you work on the garage door springs, the door can move even though it’s unpowered because the springs are what holds the tension and supports the weight of the door. So, as you unwind or wind the garage door, the door can move. To ensure you work safely, make sure you do not skip this step.
Step 3: Insert Winding Bars into the Winding Cone
Locate the winding cone of the torsion spring—this is where the tension is adjusted. Carefully insert one of the winding bars into a hole in the cone, holding it firmly to keep the spring from unwinding uncontrollably. Slowly begin to release tension by carefully turning the winding bar. Never let go of the bar while there’s tension in the spring.
Step 4: Carefully Unwind the Torsion Spring
With the first winding bar holding tension, insert the second winding bar into the next hole of the winding cone. Gradually remove the first bar while allowing the second to take the tension. Repeat this process until the spring is completely unwound. Throughout this step, maintain a firm grip and make slow, controlled movements.
This is the heart of the process—releasing torsion springs safely. At any sign of discomfort or instability, do not proceed. Instead, consult with professionals like California Garage Door Repair to avoid any accidents.
When to Adjust or Replace Garage Door Springs
We talked about what garage door springs are, tools, and equipment to prepare, but how do you know when you should adjust or replace your garage door springs? Here’s how you know it’s time to adjust or replace your garage door springs:
- A noticeably heavy door: If you notice that the garage door is much harder to lift when you try to lift the door manually, it’s a good sign that an adjustment is due. If your garage door becomes much harder to lift, it can mean that the springs may have lost tension and require adjustment, so it can be much easier to lift manually.
- A crooked door: An obvious sign that’s hard to miss is when the door wobbles or appears uneven. If this is the condition of your garage door, adjusting the springs may be needed.
- Excessive noise: If you hear loud bangs or squeaks, don’t just ignore them. These types of noises can indicate that the springs are under stress or near the end of their lifespan. If you are not confident with replacing the garage door springs, it’s ideal to call in professionals to ensure that the job is done efficiently and safely.
If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time for garage door spring maintenance or even a full garage door spring replacement. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your springs and keep your door functioning smoothly.
But if the damage is significant, don’t hesitate to call a professional. California Garage Door Repair offers inspections and garage door repair services to help you determine the best course of action.
Safety Tips for DIY Garage Door Spring Unwinding
Unwinding a garage door spring is a risky endeavor, especially if you’re not experienced. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Springs can snap without warning, and the last thing you want is to get injured.
- Never Use Improper Tools: Using makeshift tools instead of proper winding bars is a recipe for disaster. Only use the right tools designed specifically for this task.
- Work Slowly and Methodically: Don’t rush. Unwinding a garage door spring requires slow, deliberate movements.
- Avoid DIY if Unsure: If you’re feeling uncertain at any point during the process, stop immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Safety is non-negotiable when dealing with garage door springs. If you feel even slightly unsure about your ability to safely handle the task, call in a professional. California Garage Door Repair can provide the expertise and experience needed to handle these situations safely and efficiently.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Spring Repair
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it becomes clear that garage door spring repair is best left to the professionals. But how do you know when to make that call? Here are some situations that signal it’s time to reach out:
- Visible damage to the spring: If the spring looks worn, rusted, or cracked, it needs professional attention.
- You hear a loud bang: This can indicate a spring has broken, which is extremely dangerous.
- Difficulty in handling tools: If you don’t have the proper tools or are uncomfortable using them, don’t take the risk.
Attempting to fix garage door springs without the proper knowledge or experience can lead to severe injury. That’s why California Garage Door Repair is here to help. Our team is skilled in all aspects of garage door torsion spring repair and can ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
Play It Safe with Your Garage Door Springs
Unwinding a garage door spring isn’t a task to take lightly. With the right tools, a careful approach, and an understanding of the risks involved, you can safely release garage door spring tension. However, if you’re uncertain or uncomfortable at any stage, it’s always wise to call in the professionals.
At California Garage Door Repair, we specialize in making sure your garage door operates safely and efficiently. From garage door spring maintenance tips to full-scale repairs and replacements, our team is here to help you avoid the dangers of DIY garage door spring unwinding. Don’t put yourself at risk—let the experts handle it.
So, if your garage door is giving you trouble, or you suspect your springs need adjustment or replacement, don’t hesitate. Reach out to California Garage Door Repair today and let us take care of the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively!
